Zoomarine Algarve returns Xianna and Xaloc to the ocean following rehabilitation at Porto d’Abrigo

Zoomarine’s Porto d’Abrigo returned Xianna and Xaloc, two juvenile loggerhead sea turtles of the species Caretta caretta, to the ocean on Thursday, 3 September, in an operation carried out with the support of the Portuguese Navy. Rescued in different circumstances, the turtles were cared for by the rehabilitation centre’s team until they had recovered sufficiently to return to their natural habitat.

Both turtles arrived at Porto d’Abrigo during the summer after being found along the Algarve coast. The circumstances surrounding their rescues highlight some of the risks faced by sea turtles, namely the presence of marine debris and accidental interactions with fishing activities.

Xianna arrived at Porto d’Abrigo on 16 June after being found lethargic and floating off the coast of Portimão by Capitão Nemo, a maritime tourism vessel that spotted the animal. Weighing 6.5 kg and measuring 33.8 centimetres in length on arrival, the turtle was found to have plastic in its digestive tract. Xianna’s rescue also highlights the importance of the vigilance of those who work at sea every day in identifying and reporting marine animals in vulnerable situations.

Xaloc arrived at the rehabilitation centre on 13 July following an accidental capture in purse seine fishing nets operated by a trawler. Without its presence initially being detected, the turtle was transported in a fish tub together with sardines and ice from Quarteira to Olhão. Around two hours later, at the warehouse and while the sardines were being removed for packaging, the animal was discovered, and the Peixe Azul team immediately contacted Porto d’Abrigo. Weighing 7.4 kg and measuring 36.3 centimetres in length, Xaloc presented gastrointestinal alterations, mild dehydration and a lack of appetite during the first few days.

Upon arrival at Porto d’Abrigo, both turtles underwent a clinical assessment, including a general health examination, X-rays, blood tests and biometric measurements. Xaloc also underwent an ultrasound examination and received intravenous fluid therapy.

“Every animal we are able to return to the ocean represents the ultimate goal of the work carried out by Porto d’Abrigo. Xianna and Xaloc came to us in very different circumstances, but their stories highlight some of the challenges sea turtles face in their natural habitat. Being able to care for them, ensure their recovery and see them return to the sea is always a very special moment for the entire team”, says Antonieta Nunes, veterinary nurse responsible for Zoomarine’s Porto d’Abrigo.

“The return of two sea turtles to the ocean symbolises much more than the return of these animals to their natural habitat. It represents the result of a joint effort based on the sharing of knowledge, dedication and commitment to protecting the marine environment. The collaboration between the Portuguese Navy and Zoomarine demonstrates how combining skills and resources can produce tangible results for marine conservation. As Commander of the Southern Maritime Zone, I would like to express my appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this initiative. The professionalism, technical expertise and dedication demonstrated throughout the process are an example of excellence and environmental responsibility,” says Commander Conceição Dias, Commander of the Southern Maritime Zone.

Before being returned to the sea, both turtles were identified through the placement of microchips in their front flippers, and satellite transmitters were fitted to allow their movements to be tracked and to provide further insight into their migratory routes. The operation involved researchers Frédéric Vandeperre, from the COSTA project (Okeanos – Centre for Research at the University of the Azores), and George Shillinger, from the international organisation Upwell, as well as researcher Rita Patrício, from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (FCUL).

The return of Xianna and Xaloc to the ocean reinforces Zoomarine’s ongoing commitment to marine biodiversity conservation and to the rescue, rehabilitation and return to the wild of animals found in vulnerable situations. Since the creation of Porto d’Abrigo in 2002, hundreds of marine and aquatic animals have been rehabilitated and returned to their natural habitat.